All About Apples

Apples are the quintessential fall fruit, and whatever your taste, there's an apple for you. Some swear by the sweet flavor of Honeycrisp apples; others prefer the tart taste of Ida Red or Granny Smith. Apples can be eaten fresh or used them to prepare all kinds of sweet and savory dishes, from soups to desserts.

Apple trees are widely grown in temperate regions, and they can do well in the backyard orchard if grown in full sun and well-drained soil. Apple trees are not self pollinating, so you will need at least two varieties.

How to Grow Espalier Apple TreesProduce more fruit in less space with this centuries-old technique. Ron Wade guides us step-by-step through the first three years in the life of an espaliered apple tree.

Video: Controlling Apple MaggotsIf you you live east of the Rockies and grow apple trees, you've probably been "bugged" by apple maggots, or railroad worms. Luckily, apple maggots are easy to control without spraying. Here's how to create a simple pesticide-free trap for just a few dollars.